Phone
Nearby Courses
Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
Royal Portrush (Dunluce) | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses
Royal Portrush is a living testament to the artistry of golf course design and the enduring allure of links golf. With its stunning scenery, challenging layout and rich history, this Northern Irish gem offers golfers an unforgettable journey into the heart and soul of the game.
A treasure of Northern Island, Royal Portrush is located near several other notable sites, such as the Giant’s Causeway. Famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns, formed by ancient volcanic activity, it’s located only a short drive east of Royal Portrush and is a favourite of visitors seeking remarkable natural beauty. Furthermore, the historic cities of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry are located close to Royal Portrush, offering complex history and beautiful architecture to visitors.
Royal Portrush is a welcoming and warm atmosphere for golfers, and the historical significance of its championship legacy adds an element of tradition and prestige to the visit. The 2019 Open Championship was so successful that the prestigious tournament is scheduled to return to Royal Portrush in 2025.
2024 notes: A true driver’s course, Portrush was prepared to host the Open once more with the construction of two new holes, the 7th and the 8th, on the valley floor. They are an improvement on the 17th and 18th they replaced, as well as creating much-needed room.
Visit Royal Portrush's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.
2024 notes: A true driver’s course, Portrush was prepared to host the Open once more with the construction of two new holes, the 7th and the 8th, on the valley floor. They are an improvement on the 17th and 18th they replaced, as well as creating much-needed room.
Visit Royal Portrush's website here.
Go back to the NCG Top 100s Homepage.
A Brief History of Royal Portrush
135 years ago, the Royal Portrush Golf Club was founded as the County Club in 1888. A year later, Old Tom Morris was drafted in to create a new 18-hole layout.
Under the patronage of the Duke of York, the County Club became the Royal County Club in 1892, and gained its present name under the patronage of the Prince of Wales in 1895.
The Dunluce Links came much later, with world-renowned golf course architect Harry S. Colt being the man behind the design of the layout. That would open in 1933, and it would not take long before the eyes of the nation were on it.
Under the patronage of the Duke of York, the County Club became the Royal County Club in 1892, and gained its present name under the patronage of the Prince of Wales in 1895.
The Dunluce Links came much later, with world-renowned golf course architect Harry S. Colt being the man behind the design of the layout. That would open in 1933, and it would not take long before the eyes of the nation were on it.
In 1951, Royal Portrush Golf Club held The Open Championship, the first time it was held in Northern Ireland. This marked it out as one of the best golf courses in Northern Ireland. The club has hosted other prestigious events, such as the Senior British Open Championship (1995 to 1999 and 2004) and the Palmer Cup in 2010. It held the Open Championship for the second time in 2019, bringing back attention for the world to marvel at the course.
Royal Portrush (Dunluce) Review | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Courses
Most will now understand why the Dunluce Links is so highly-rated after watching the 2019 Open Championship. The front nine winds through natural valleys, providing fantastic scenery and views, setting you up for a brilliant game. The back nine, however, takes you to the edge – both figuratively and literally. Even from the Whites, the Dunluce measures in at more than 6,700 yards, and there's a good chance it will feel longer thanks to the wind.
The design of the course is meticulous; featuring 18 holes that each present a new puzzle to the golfer, where the weather, terrain and pot bunkers add layers of experience to your game. The ingenious design takes advantage of the natural landscape, incorporating existing dunes and valleys to create a layout as demanding as it is picturesque.
The opener is a straightaway par 4, and one that could even throw up a birdie opportunity if you can avoid the two fairway bunkers. The 2nd is the first of the par 5s on the Dunluce, and at more than 530 yards, only the longest of hitters will be able to reach the green in two. Those unsure of themselves may opt for the safe play of laying up short of the cross bunkers with their second. The opening par 3 follows, and at just 145 yards, it is certainly not the most difficult short hole you will face during your round on the Dunluce.
The design of the course is meticulous; featuring 18 holes that each present a new puzzle to the golfer, where the weather, terrain and pot bunkers add layers of experience to your game. The ingenious design takes advantage of the natural landscape, incorporating existing dunes and valleys to create a layout as demanding as it is picturesque.
The opener is a straightaway par 4, and one that could even throw up a birdie opportunity if you can avoid the two fairway bunkers. The 2nd is the first of the par 5s on the Dunluce, and at more than 530 yards, only the longest of hitters will be able to reach the green in two. Those unsure of themselves may opt for the safe play of laying up short of the cross bunkers with their second. The opening par 3 follows, and at just 145 yards, it is certainly not the most difficult short hole you will face during your round on the Dunluce.
The 4th is a long par 4 of more than 450 yards from the Whites. This hole has several bunkers in the billowing fairway and a green on two small sand hills. Out of bounds running all the way down on your right and thick rough on the left, this hole is known as Fred Daly’s, after the 1947 champion golfer. The 5th is also a tricky one, despite only being 375 yards. Two new bunkers and an out-of-bounds just over the back of the green make this signature hole a true challenge for golfers.
Named Harry Colt's, the par 3 6th is an interesting hole. It plays 185 yards, meaning a long iron at least is required. Although there is no sand, there is plenty of trouble with runoffs on all sides. It doesn't get any easier as you come to the turn. The 7th is a 550-yard par 5 which is a true three shotter, as long as you can keep it on the short stuff, before the 8th and 9th are both very tough par 4s. Anything left on the former will be in trouble, while both sides of the fairway spell danger on the closing hole of the front side.
The back nine on the Dunluce begins with a dog-leg right par 4 where driver is not necessarily the play. The 11th can provide a birdie opportunity as a par 5 of only 472 yards, but it is another hole where finding the fairway is crucial. 12 is also a par 5, and 'Dhu Varren' - named after one of the local towns - features fairway bunkers that must be avoided! The first par 3 on the closing side is the 13th, and it is a tricky one, with sand traps surrounding the putting surface. Aim for the marker post and hope the wind doesn't push it offline. 'Causeway' is the hardest hole on the closing stretch, despite being less than 400 yards,. The 15th is another of a similar distance, and a hole where placement of your drive is key.
The final three holes on the Dunluce begin with the aptly named 'Calamity Corner'. At 236 yards for the pros, and 202 yards for the amateur, you can understand why. This par 3 hole is played to a green over a great ravine. Although there are no bunkers, the slightly uphill shot causes enough trouble, and only one member, Michael Henry, is known to have made more than one ace at this hole, in both 2007 and 2019. The final two holes are both tough par 4s, with the 18th coming in at 420 yards off the Whites. There is plenty of trouble on the drive, including thick rough, fairway bunkers and of course, the usual sea breeze.
Named Harry Colt's, the par 3 6th is an interesting hole. It plays 185 yards, meaning a long iron at least is required. Although there is no sand, there is plenty of trouble with runoffs on all sides. It doesn't get any easier as you come to the turn. The 7th is a 550-yard par 5 which is a true three shotter, as long as you can keep it on the short stuff, before the 8th and 9th are both very tough par 4s. Anything left on the former will be in trouble, while both sides of the fairway spell danger on the closing hole of the front side.
The back nine on the Dunluce begins with a dog-leg right par 4 where driver is not necessarily the play. The 11th can provide a birdie opportunity as a par 5 of only 472 yards, but it is another hole where finding the fairway is crucial. 12 is also a par 5, and 'Dhu Varren' - named after one of the local towns - features fairway bunkers that must be avoided! The first par 3 on the closing side is the 13th, and it is a tricky one, with sand traps surrounding the putting surface. Aim for the marker post and hope the wind doesn't push it offline. 'Causeway' is the hardest hole on the closing stretch, despite being less than 400 yards,. The 15th is another of a similar distance, and a hole where placement of your drive is key.
The final three holes on the Dunluce begin with the aptly named 'Calamity Corner'. At 236 yards for the pros, and 202 yards for the amateur, you can understand why. This par 3 hole is played to a green over a great ravine. Although there are no bunkers, the slightly uphill shot causes enough trouble, and only one member, Michael Henry, is known to have made more than one ace at this hole, in both 2007 and 2019. The final two holes are both tough par 4s, with the 18th coming in at 420 yards off the Whites. There is plenty of trouble on the drive, including thick rough, fairway bunkers and of course, the usual sea breeze.
FAQs about Royal Portrush (Dunluce)
Where is Royal Portrush located?
Royal Portrush is situated on the northern coastline of Northern Ireland, looking out over the Irish Sea. It is located in the town of Portrush, which is just down the road from Portstewart. Coleraine is the nearest big town, around seven miles from Portrush, while the Northern Irish capital of Belfast is 60 miles to the south.
Portrush has its own train station, which is about a mile from the entrance to the golf club. It is the final stop on a train service from Coleraine, which only makes a handful of stops on its journey. For international travellers to the region, the Northern Irish capital has two airports that can be flown into - Belfast International and Belfast City. Both operate flights to a wide range of destinations, including the United Kingdom and United States.
Is there more than one course at Royal Portrush?
Yes, there is. The Dunluce Links is not the only 18-hole layout at the Northern Irish venue; there is also the Valley Links.
READ MORE: NCG Top 100s: Ireland - Royal Portrush (Valley Links)
What golf facilities does Royal Portrush offer?
Away from the Dunluce and Valley Links, Royal Portrush is also home to two 6-hole layouts. The Skerries and the Short Course both offer up the perfect opportunity to hone in your approach game before taking to either of the main courses.
There is also a fantastic driving range with both grass and matted tees for practice in all weathers, along with a stunning short game area and putting green.
Royal Portrush is situated on the northern coastline of Northern Ireland, looking out over the Irish Sea. It is located in the town of Portrush, which is just down the road from Portstewart. Coleraine is the nearest big town, around seven miles from Portrush, while the Northern Irish capital of Belfast is 60 miles to the south.
Portrush has its own train station, which is about a mile from the entrance to the golf club. It is the final stop on a train service from Coleraine, which only makes a handful of stops on its journey. For international travellers to the region, the Northern Irish capital has two airports that can be flown into - Belfast International and Belfast City. Both operate flights to a wide range of destinations, including the United Kingdom and United States.
Is there more than one course at Royal Portrush?
Yes, there is. The Dunluce Links is not the only 18-hole layout at the Northern Irish venue; there is also the Valley Links.
READ MORE: NCG Top 100s: Ireland - Royal Portrush (Valley Links)
What golf facilities does Royal Portrush offer?
Away from the Dunluce and Valley Links, Royal Portrush is also home to two 6-hole layouts. The Skerries and the Short Course both offer up the perfect opportunity to hone in your approach game before taking to either of the main courses.
There is also a fantastic driving range with both grass and matted tees for practice in all weathers, along with a stunning short game area and putting green.
What are the green fees at Royal Portrush?
The price of a green fee at Royal Portrush changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.
The price of a green fee at Royal Portrush changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend.
For more information on current green fees at Royal Portrush, visit their website here.